News Summary
A dense fog advisory is in effect for multiple counties in upstate South Carolina, significantly impacting visibility for drivers. The National Weather Service warns that visibility may drop to a quarter mile or less from midnight to 5 a.m. Authorities urge motorists to be cautious. Additionally, air quality issues due to nearby wildfires have prompted evacuation orders. Residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions due to rapidly changing conditions.
Greenville, South Carolina – A dense fog advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for multiple counties in upstate South Carolina, effective from midnight to 5 a.m. on Sunday. The advisory, declared on Saturday at 11:50 p.m., impacts areas including Greater Caldwell, Greater Burke, Eastern McDowell, Greater Rutherford, Eastern Polk, and the Oconee Mountains, among others.
During the advisory period, visibility is expected to plummet to a quarter mile or less, significantly increasing the risk for motorists. Authorities are urging drivers to take necessary precautions: reduce speed, utilize low-beam headlights, and maintain adequate distances from other vehicles to enhance safety. Previous reports indicated visibility levels dropping below one mile in surrounding areas, with some isolated locations experiencing visibility as low as one-quarter mile.
Alongside the fog advisory, residents are cautioned to heed additional weather warnings. Gusty winds are anticipated, which may displace unsecured objects and potentially result in downed tree limbs and power outages. Therefore, individuals are advised to remain vigilant, particularly during early morning commutes when visibility is expected to rapidly change.
In a related context, air quality issues due to smoke from ongoing forest fires have emerged as a significant concern in the area. A state air quality alert has been issued for Greenville, mainly attributed to fires on Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge. These fires, initiated on March 21, have burned over 3,000 acres, reportedly exacerbated by negligent actions from local hikers. As a result, officials have enforced mandatory evacuation orders for residents in Greenville and Pickens counties who live north of rural state Highway 11.
To effectively combat the wildfire situation, additional firefighting resources have been deployed to the region. This includes a fleet comprised of 20 fire engines, 10 brush trucks, and eight specialized 20-person hand crews dedicated to controlling the spread of the fires.
Particular emphasis is being placed on those with pre-existing respiratory issues, as air quality warnings suggest that individuals in these categories should limit outdoor activities. Smoke has notably impacted the visibility of geographical landmarks, including Paris Mountain, where the smoke was barely perceptible from downtown Greenville at one point.
Light winds are forecast to assist in dispersing the smoky conditions into the mountainous areas by early afternoon Thursday, although monitoring of smoke and wildfire conditions continues. The NWS is actively providing updates on local air quality as the situation develops.
Residents of Upstate South Carolina, particularly in the affected counties, are encouraged to remain informed regarding the fog conditions and smoke impacts and to take all necessary precautions, especially while traveling during the advisory periods. The situation remains dynamic, with authorities emphasizing safety and awareness as the primary focus.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston Prepares for Significant Cold Front and Temperature Drop This Weekend
Additional Resources
- Salisbury Post: Dense Fog Advisory
- 828 News Now: Heat Storms in WNC
- WYFF4: Widespread Showers and Flash Flood Risk
- Greenville Online: Snow, Ice, and Power Outages
- Post and Courier: Table Rock Wildfire and Air Quality
- Wikipedia: Weather
- Google Search: Weather alerts
- Google Scholar: Weather warning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Google News: Weather conditions alerts
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
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